Warring street gangs. A deep bigotry toward Spanish-speaking immigrants. Abusive cops and the tragedy of violence.
The musical "West Side Story" is more than 50 years old, but it smacks of contemporary life.
The road show of the musical inspired by Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is in the Old Pueblo courtesy of Broadway in Tucson, and it is as rich, lush, lusty and heartbreaking as ever.
Of course, it would almost have to be: Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein created the score; Arthur Laurents wrote the book and directed the Broadway version that launched this road show; and Jerome Robbins' choreography, athletic, sexy and in keeping with the story, fills the stage. David Saint, who worked with Laurents on the 2009 Broadway production, recreated the late director's vision; Joey McKneely, who danced in "West Side Story" for Robbins, recreated the choreography.
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But it was the cast packed with dancers who glided and jumped and twisted with astounding energy and precision and the actors who poured hearts and talent into the roles that truly brought this magical musical to life.
University of Arizona graduate Kyle Harris gave a romantic fever to Tony, the former member of the Jets street gang who falls in love with Maria, the sister of a rival gang member. We caught this show in Los Angeles in January, and it seemed then that Harris was still settling into the role. He has grown as Tony, giving the character a deeper interior life and a greater sense of what it is to be young and hopeful and head-over-heels in love.
Ali Ewoldt's Maria was just as convincing as a teen consumed with the giddiness of first love while belting out songs with a sure and sublime voice.
Laurents caused quite a stir when he had some of Sondheim's lyrics translated into Spanish in an attempt to give the musical a more topical, gritty feel. While some of the Spanish has been scaled back since the Broadway production, there is still enough there to give an authenticity to the Puerto Rican characters. When the rival gangs sing "Tonight" while preparing for a rumble, it's delicious to hear the lyrics bounce from English to Spanish. And even if you don't speak Spanish, the dialogue is easy to discern. Come on, it's "West Side Story" - who doesn't know every word (OK, not everyone; but you should).
Harris and Ewoldt were accompanied by a terrific cast.
Joseph J. Simeone was completely convincing as the street-wise and tough Riff, the leader of the Jets, a jumpy teen spurred on by hate and with a penchant for violence. Michelle Aravena's Anita, the girlfriend of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks, has a riveting stage presence, a spellbinding voice, impressive dance skills and solid acting chops. She infused her Anita with an abundance of fire and spunk.
German Santiago's Bernardo had a sexy swagger to go with his strong voice and dancing skills.
And the dancers ... this Robbin's choreography isn't easy. It's complex, fast, balletic and gymnastic at the same time.
The dancers were spellbinding as they leaped and floated and told the story with the grace and clarity Robbins intended (though some bawdy moments were thrown in - pretty sure Robbins wouldn't have liked that). Some complaints about the 2009 Broadway show cited the lack of street-toughness of the gang members. That toughness is felt in full measure here while never letting us forget these are mixed-up teens who have never known a world without violence.
"West Side Story" is a classic; this road show shows us why.
Review
• What: "West Side Story."
• Presented by: Broadway in Tucson
• Authors: Arthur Laurents (book), Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics).
• Director: David Saint re-created from Arthur Laurents' direction.
• Choreographer: The original Jerome Robbins choreography is reproduced by Joey McKneely.
• When: 7:30 p.m. today; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
• Where: Tucson Music Hall, 260 S Church Ave.
• Tickets: $29-$80.
• Reservations/information: 1-800-745-3000, broadwayintucson.com, or in person at the TCC Box Office (buy them at the TCC and you avoid the hefty Ticketmaster surcharge).
• Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes with one intermission.
• Et cetera: This show contains mature content; recommended for children 13 and over.
